Is Rohit Sharma overawed by Virat Kohli's reputation in Tests?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma starred in a strong Indian batting performance in Australia but only one of that pair has conquered run scoring in all three formats, writes Ian Chappell

Sydeny: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma starred in a strong Indian batting performance in Australia but only one of that pair has conquered run scoring in all three formats.

Virat Kohli

Kohli has gone from strength to strength as a batsman in all forms of the game; his Test performances are littered with overseas centuries and the only glaring exception is England. Two solid innings on the bouncy WACA pitch in 2012, followed by a century in Adelaide seemed to provide the self-belief he required to excel at Test level.

Rohit Sharma

Similarly, Rohit made a big impression in Australia as a young batsman in the 2007-08 ODI series. He followed a substantial innings in Canberra with an impressive knock in helping India win the first final at the SCG. Rohit was involved in a match turning partnership with Sachin Tendulkar at the SCG and he was by no means over-shadowed by the little Master.

I felt those innings would be the making of Rohit - he handled the extra bounce of Australian pitches with ease - but success didn’t automatically follow. A couple of years later at Kensington Oval in Barbados he countered Australia’s fast short-pitched attack, to be not only the last man standing but also the only Indian batsman to enhance his reputation. Finally, this appeared to be the performance which would launch Rohit’s international career but sadly it was another false dawn.

It wasn’t until early 2013, when he was elevated to the top of the ODI batting order that his career really took off. The runs flowed from his bat in a stream of exquisite drives and powerful pull shots and he was rewarded with a Test spot. He responded with back-to-back centuries against the West Indies and at last it appeared the vast promise he’d shown back in 2008 was about to be fulfilled.

However, it hasn’t eventuated at Test level, as despite numerous heroics in short form cricket, including a gargantuan 264 and another ODI double century, he’s stumbled from one disappointment to another in the longest form of the game.

Meanwhile, Kohli’s batting has surged in all forms and he’s now an Indian idol, as well as captain of the Test side. He can be passionate and fiery on the field but most of the time when he’s batting his stroke play is controlled and calculated.

It seems that the tougher the task the more he’s inspired. I haven’t seen better batting in the fourth innings than his enterprising century at the Adelaide Oval, where he narrowly missed guiding India to an incredible victory.

Kohli slipped easily into the large shoes of Tendulkar at number four by not only understanding his responsibilities but also his style of play. Rohit on the other hand, has struggled to find a permanent spot in the Test line-up and seems no closer to unearthing a suitable style to fit the format.

There are a number of things holding Rohit back as a Test batsman. He’s ideally suited to the number three spot but despite chances, hasn’t made it his own. However, his biggest failing is not coming to grips with a batting rhythm that suits him at Test level.

I wonder if one of his problems isn’t similar to what seemed to inflict Gordon Greenidge. The West Indies opener was a fine player but like a startled tortoise he’d retreat into his shell when Viv Richards joined him at the crease. At times in Test cricket Rohit seems overawed by Kohli and his reputation, and struggles to play in his shadow.

This is another reason, apart from his skill, why number three would be the ideal spot for Rohit; coming to the crease prior to Kohli would provide him with a chance to become established before the arrival of the ‘big gun’.

It’ll be a pity if Rohit doesn’t come to terms with Test batting, not just for his own sake but also for the fans. In full cry, the Rohit - Kohli combination at three and four would be hard to contain.